Job Posting: 9 April 2026
Closure Date: 2 May 2026, 12:59 AM
Organizational Unit: NSA
Job Type: Staff position
Type of Requisition: Professional
Grade Level: P-3
Primary Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: Fixed-term, two years, with possibility of extension
Post Number: 0413992
CCOG Code: 1H01
Important Notice: Please note that the closure date and time displayed above are based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device. For internal FAO candidates, the length of appointment will be determined in accordance with applicable FAO policies on extension of appointments.
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold FAO’s values.
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
- FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations. The Organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Organizational Setting
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable development of the livestock sector by combining scientific and technical expertise with policy advice. It hosts technical networks in animal health, genetics, feed and animal husbandry, and provides analysis, policy dialogue and technical assistance. It also supports emergency responses, particularly in animal health. FAO further supports Members in building and implementing collaborative One Health strategies and capacities that address the health of people, animals, plants and the environment together. Within FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031, One Health in agrifood systems transformation is identified as a key Priority Programme Area.
Within NSA, the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW) leads and coordinates the prevention and control of endemic and emerging transboundary animal diseases and health threats arising at the animal-human-environment interface, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. Vaccines are presented as critical tools for controlling transboundary animal diseases and antimicrobial resistance, enabling rapid response and effective prevention of priority infectious diseases. In this context, the Laboratory Capacity Development, Reference Centres and Vaccine Cluster in NSAH-CJW coordinates activities across FAO and supports Members in strengthening laboratory capacity development, ensuring procurement of quality vaccines, and improving national vaccine production capacities. The position is located in the Animal Production and Health Division, One Health and Disease Control Group, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Quality Assurance) reports to the Senior Animal Health Officer, who is the Head of the Lab and Vaccine Cluster.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will support veterinary vaccine procurement, quality assurance activities, and efforts to improve vaccine production capacities within FAO’s One Health Programme Priority Area, including work linked to priority transboundary animal diseases, emerging zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, with a specific focus on vaccines and quality assurance.
Key Results
Research, technical analysis and project-related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.
Key Functions
- Research and analyse technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology-related information, data and statistics, and related policy issues, to support programme delivery.
- Produce technical information, data, statistics and reports, and contribute input for technical documents and web pages.
- Provide technical support and analysis to assessments, studies and initiatives, and offer technical backstopping to field projects.
- Collaborate in the development of improved or updated tools, systems, processes and databases.
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams and working groups, collaborate with other centres, divisions, offices and agencies, and promote best practices.
- Contribute to and technically backstop capacity development activities within Members, including policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, as well as related information, learning materials and online tools.
- Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences, and influence partners through stakeholder consultations.
- Support resource mobilization activities in line with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Specific Functions
- Assist with vaccine procurement upon request from FAO Members and contribute to the development of the FAO vaccine registration system.
- Support compliance of vaccines with international quality standards.
- Harmonize guidelines for cold chain management and vaccine distribution.
- Contribute to strengthening the capacity of veterinary services in vaccine handling and administration.
- Support the development of vaccine production capacities in member countries.
- Contribute to the harmonization of vaccine registration requirements in member countries in coordination with regional economic communities and international organizations, including WOAH, IVVN and other partners.
- Contribute to research and innovation for new or improved vaccines in collaboration with FAO Reference Centres and other partners.
- Support the designation and renewal of FAO Reference Centres for animal diseases.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in veterinary drug/vaccine, veterinary medicine, and an advanced university degree in veterinary epidemiology or a related field.
- At least five years of relevant experience in vaccine management or quality control, vaccine research, vaccine strategy development, including regulatory aspects and standard setting.
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another official FAO language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.
Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
- Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge in animal vaccine quality control and/or vaccine production capacity development programmes at national, regional or global level.
- Extent and relevance of experience in the development and management of technical projects related to animal vaccine quality control and/or vaccine production capacity development, including relevant animal laboratory dimensions.
- Strong familiarity with relevant vaccine standards and experience in the development of vaccine programmes for infectious disease management at country, regional or global level.
- Extent and relevance of experience in analysing and formulating technical and project proposals aimed at improving sustainability in the livestock sector.
- Ability to analyse complex animal health, vaccination and laboratory diagnostic issues from an expert perspective.
FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO’s core values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, Integrity and Transparency.
General Information
Extension of fixed-term appointments is subject to certification of performance and the availability of funds. FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment. Any appointment is subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Conditions of Service
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. Subject to eligibility, this may include dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant for children, home leave travel, 30 working days of annual leave per year, pension entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, international health insurance, optional life insurance, and disability protection. FAO also promotes a positive workplace culture through inclusive and diversity-supportive measures, including family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct.
How to Apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile.
- Ensure that your profile is accurate and complete, including employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Once your profile is completed, submit your application.
- FAO only considers higher education qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) and aligned with ISCED mappings.
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records, where relevant to the employment qualifications.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Personal information provided in the application may be shared within FAO and with companies acting on FAO’s behalf for recruitment support services, subject to consent.
- Only applications received through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline date.
- If support is needed, candidates may create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for assistance.
